Nine jobs are thought to be under threat at two dailies in southern England, in what union bosses have described as a regional publisher’s “summer of sackings”.

The National Union of Journalists has claimed seven people are to be made redundant by Newsquest at the Oxford Mail and its sister weeklies in Oxfordshire, while two photographer roles are being cut at the Bournemouth Echo.

Those under threat in Oxfordshire are understood to work in management, news, photographic and sport.

It comes after HTFP today revealed Newsquest plans to dissolve its recently acquired production department in Reading, following the company’s purchase of the Berkshire Media Group and its owner Romanes Media Group in May.

Up to seven roles are thought to be at risk as a result of the move, which will see work being outsourced from Berkshire to India, as well as Newsquest’s production hubs in Southampton and Newport.

A new media support officer role, to be based in Berkshire, may be created as part of the plans.

Last year the company moved much of its production of the Mail to its subbing hub in Newport, with around 25 jobs understood to have been lost.

The move in Bournemouth follows a series of photographic cutbacks at other Newsquest papers in recent months, with the group reducing the number of staff photographers and increasing the use of freelances.

Most recently, the company announced its intention to axe six photographer and picture desk roles in Wiltshire.

Laura Davison, NUJ national organiser, said: “It’s another summer of sackings at Newsquest.

“Once again they are cutting vital editorial jobs in Oxford and with absolutely no plan of how they will be able to operate with the remaining staff.

“Long serving staff with decades of experience are getting the chop and once again photographers are in the line of fire.

“It’s all about propping up profit margins.”

Newsquest has declined to comment.